Summer is just around the corner, and it is going to be a hot one. No one likes to do too much during the warm, sticky days. Especially when they can be enjoying the sun or having a pool party. But no one is going to want to invite their friends and family to their house if it’s looking a bit drab. Winter can cause you to focus so much on keeping a warm and sheltered house that the exterior of your home needs just as much spring cleaning attention as the interior. Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot of work to get your home summer-ready.
Take on the little jobs yourself as a bonding activity with your children. Hire contractors to handle the landscaping and the gutter cleaning. This will ensure that the work gets done swiftly and professionally. Doing the smaller chores yourself is a good way to keep busy during spring so that you don’t get too bored waiting for summer weather. If you manage to get everything done in time, you can spend all summer just enjoying the cool of your home or the beauty of your garden.
Chimneys
It is important to get your chimney inspected and have it cleaned out before the summer. You are unlikely to use it during the hot weather, but soot buildup can attract birds who build nests inside your chimney. These nests can be a health hazard in many ways. If you are not aware the nests are there and light a fire, it can lead to chimney fires that can spread before you realize the danger.
Paint the Walls
Warm days are the best for painting your house as this will help the paint to dry faster. A fresh coat of paint can help a house look attractive and enhance its curb appeal greatly. It is also an easy activity that can be entrusted to teenage children. Make sure you do any painting that involves climbing a ladder, which can be unsafe for children.
Cover any bushes and plants with tarps and insist that the children wear masks and gloves. Choose a paint that is suitable for exteriors and can help to keep your house cool, and is easy to clean.
Window Washing
Washing your windows is a good way to freshen them up and improve the view. Winter shutters can be removed, and the paint on the edges can be touched up to help the windows look better. Consider using a natural washing liquid as any runoff will not harm the plants or affect the furniture too much.
Replace All Filters
This is also the best time to replace all the filters and have your appliances maintained. The air conditioner will see a lot of use during the summer heat, so make sure to have a technician come out and check it to ensure it is functioning optimally. Have the filter changed at this time so that the technician can ensure you are doing it correctly.
Water filters should also be changed as these can have a lot of buildup during the winter. A filter change on your air conditioner will allow it to work well and keep the air you breathe clean and fresh. Water filter changes will give you fresh and clean water without worry. Replacing filters regularly is a necessity for safety as dirty filters can damage the machinery and cause fires.
Check Your Sealing
Most states will send out an auditor upon request who can check if your house is properly sealed. It is important to have this check done before summer and before winter. A properly sealed house will use power more efficiently and have lower utility bills.
An improperly sealed house will leak heat in winter and cool air in summer and have very high power bills. This audit will also find out if your insulation is in good condition. It is best to find out any issues early so you can have it replaced before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem.
Inspect the Roof
The roof can become damaged from the weight of snow and ice freezing and warming throughout the winter. It is good to check for cracking, leaking, and missing shingles. Replace these immediately as a weak roof under spring and summer rains could cause mold and water leaking issues.
On the days it is too cold to work outside, you can concentrate on indoor matters. Pack away your winter clothes and bedding. Clean out your closet and out your summer weather clothes up front. De-clutter the rooms and organize everything for easier movement and better airflow. No one wants to feel the house is stuffy during hot days.
Ensure that you replace all the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Go through your pantry and refrigerator to clean and clear it of all expired items. There is a lot to do, and it can take up quite a bit of time. Re-frame it in your mind as making life easier for you in summer, and you might come to enjoy the many activities required to get your home summer-ready.
